This was led by Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence, who led a delegation to China for strategic engagements focused on technology transfer, defence cooperation and industrial partnerships.
The Ministry of Defence disclosed on Tuesday that the working visit is aimed at deepening bilateral defence relations between Nigeria and China, accelerating the modernisation of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and enhancing the country’s capacity to manufacture military equipment locally through the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
According to the ministry, the delegation began a series of diplomatic and industrial engagements in Beijing, where discussions centred on emerging defence technologies, artificial intelligence, equipment modernisation and local production of military hardware.
“Our focus is clear: we are committed to partnerships that do not just make Nigeria a consumer, but an active producer.
“Through DICON, we will expand local production lines, drive absolute technology transfer, and achieve sustainable self-reliance in defence manufacturing to secure our nation,” he said.
He added that the Federal Government was integrating emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into the country’s security architecture to ensure the Armed Forces remained capable of responding effectively to evolving asymmetric threats.
According to the statement, the Nigerian delegation toured the Innovation Centre of the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, where discussions focused on technological innovation and advanced defence systems.
The delegation also visited the headquarters and exhibition centre of the China North Industries Corporation, one of China’s leading defence manufacturers.
Officials inspected a range of military equipment, including land combat platforms, advanced artillery systems, specialised ammunition and integrated defence solutions.
The visit was followed by a closed-door meeting between the Nigerian delegation and senior executives of NORINCO, where both sides discussed plans for technology transfer, technical capacity building and the establishment of joint defence production lines in Nigeria in partnership with DICON.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, where Abdulrahman Dambazau, Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, described the minister’s visit as timely and significant for strengthening strategic relations between both countries.
Dambazau pledged the embassy’s support towards advancing Nigeria’s defence interests and facilitating the success of the engagements throughout the visit.
The minister later met with Defence Attachés and staff at the embassy’s Defence Section, commending them for their service and urging them to continue promoting Nigeria’s military diplomacy across Asia.
